UK trending heavily for TyTy Washington; Sahvir Wheeler cuts list

It’s been a big week for the Kentucky Wildcats. Between the commitment of CJ Frederick to the hiring of Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman, this may be the biggest week for Kentucky basketball in a few years.

However, there could be another game-changing story on the way, if you trust the experts.

On Thursday, Kentucky received six(!) predictions to land five-star guard TyTy Washington over on the 247 Sports Crystal Ball. All of those predictions are listed with high confidence, with three writers calling it a lock that Washington will land in Lexington.

The 6-3, 185-pound Washington has been a target of John Calipari and his staff for some time now, but it seems that Kentucky’s energy picked up once Nolan Hickman backed out of his National Letter of Intent. Also, it seems that Chin Coleman’s relationship with Washington may make a big difference in the recruitment.

Many people around the program believe that next year’s roster is a point guard away from being complete. The staff added lots of shooting in the offseason, Oscar Tshiebwe will make a huge impact in the paint, and there are still some elite recruits heading to Lexington. But come tournament time, it is tough to win without a top-notch lead guard.

Washington is currently listed as the No. 21 overall player and No. 3 point guard in the 2021 class, according to the 247 Sports Composite Rankings. However, his rise over the last several months suggests that he can a truly elite player at the next level.

If Washington commits to Kentucky on his commitment date, May 15th, we may just see Swaggy Cal back for the beginning of the fall season. I think most of us have missed that guy.

While Kentucky appears to be in good shape with its last high school target in 2021, John Calipari is still highly likely to sign a transfer guard as well.

As of now, Georgia Bulldogs point guard Sahvir Wheeler is one of the top remaining backcourt options. He also just cut his list down to four, and Kentucky is still in contention.

It’s actually one of the more unique ways you’ll see a recruit cut his list, as Wheeler made the announcement with a video that shows him and his father breaking down his four finalists: Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Kansas and LSU.

When it came to John Calipari, here’s what Wheeler had to say.

“One, I think he (Calipari) can pull something out. He can coach you to a level, hold you accountable because of his respect level,” said Wheeler. “What you’re going to get because you know he’s coached that many pros and point guards. I think he’s got some insight for you and all that.

“I think he’s going to give you the freedom in the midst of the system to figure it out. I think there’s a benefit to that. I think there’s a value to having that level of accountability. I think he’ll adjust according to his personnel. That’s why you’re a Hall of Famer.”

Elsewhere, Wheeler had an interview with Adam Zagoria, where he offered these thoughts on if Kentucky were to land TyTy Washington.

“I do know that they do not have a point guard on their roster, and I do know that they are also recruiting TyTy Washington,” said Wheeler. “All these schools have been very transparent as far as who’s on their roster and who they’re recruiting. I’m fine with how all of it plays out.

“If I commit there and TyTy goes there, that’s fine. I don’t think his decision will impact me too much, but I know what I’m capable of what I bring to every team and I know the coaches that are recruiting me, they know what I bring to a team as well and to help win and also help elevate my game to get to that next level.”

Wheeler also said he’s planning to have a decision made before June 1st, so we won’t have to wait much longer to see where he lands.

Be sure to read the entire interview with Zagoria.

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